Author Archives: Flippie Van Emmenis
Lindbergh Lodge Fly-in 2018
Lindbergh Lodge Fly-in 2018
Friday 19th October 6 aircraft, five From Eagle’s Creek and one from Rand airport flew to Lindbergh lodge for the Flyin weekend 19 to 21 October. Aircraft that flew in ZU-FRX – SLING 2, ZU-LSA – Sportcruiser, ZA-IJL- Beech K35 V-tail Bonanza, ZU-FWB – Vans RV-10, ZS-KWN – Mooney M20J 20, ZS-KWN – Piper PA-28RT-201T
Diana Lindbergh, 3rd generation owner, decided to host the Flyin in Memory of her Dad that used to fly from to lodge all over, mainly to Lanseria where he had his little VW Beetle parked to do business in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The 5 pilots and family that flew in the Friday spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, then off to the Lapa for sunset drinks. Afterward we were treated to a fantastic dinner in a real old-fashioned English dining room, after some good chats, laughter and fun we all headed out to our rooms just before 11pm.
Saturday morning, we were joined by the last arrival and we had a lekker breakfast. This was followed by a short 2.8km walk into the bush and some drinks after the long walk followed by Lunch. Once again, all relaxed at the pool while we went for a game drive and surprisingly we got lost. After about two hours we got back to the lodge. Spend a short time with the others at the pool. About an hour before sunset we walked off to the Lapa again for sunset drinks, bonfire and a lekker braai. Tbone, Wors, Pap & sauce and salads followed by malva pudding.
Sunday was up early, Lekker breakfast and the aircraft departed and landed safely at Eagle’s Creek and Rand airport. We stated a while longer and went for another game drive with Doolie Lindberg.
We left Lindberg lodge at about 14:40 and drove back home.
The Lodge was inactive for some time and now Doolie decided to go full out and get Getaway weekends going. Doolie is committed into smoothing out the Runway and sort out a few other minor issues. I must say Lindbergh lodge is a fantastic venue and hope to see more small aviation related events. The next Aviation event is a Skydive event in January 2019. Aviation Central will attend the event.
Armed Forces Day Celebration 2019 Dates
Armed Forces Day Celebration 2019 Dates
The purpose of the Armed Forces Day is to commemorate the sinking of the SS MENDI, where on 21 February 1917,
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614 South African men, of which 607 were from the South African Native Labour Corps and 33 crew members perished in the icy waters of the English Channel. The event also commemorates those patriots who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. The Armed Forces Day celebration is therefore the largest celebratory event on the SANDF calendar. The event affords the public an opportunity to engage with and have a first-hand experience with the men and women in uniform and their military equipment. The Armed Forces Day 2019 will be celebrated in Cape Town from 16-21 February 2019.
Military parade and handing over of medals to our serving soldiers at Table View Beach at 10:30 for 11:00 to be followed by a military capability demonstration.
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Attend these spectacular events in support of Armed Forces Day:
16 -17 Feb SA NAVY SHIPS AND SUBMARINE, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT THE V&A WATERFRONT: SUBMARINE: 10:00 — 14:00 SHIPS: 09:00 — 15:00
Band performance: 16 – 17 Feb at 16:00 and sea cadets marching through Waterfront.
STATIC DISPLAY OF MILITARY VEHICLES & LIFE ARENA DEMONSTRATIONS: 16 -19 Feb, at the Mandela Park Sports Stadium (Khayelitsha). Daily live military demonstrations, exhibtions & sport village.
CSANDF/CISM FUN RUN 5km and 10km: 16 Feb, 08:00 for 08:30 at the Sea Point Promenade. SPORTS CLINICS: 18 – 19 Feb, for primary schools, Grades 6 and 7 at the Pama Road, Khayelitsha Stadium. INTER-FAITH SERVICE: 18 – 19 Feb, 10:30 – 12:00 at the Cape Town City Hall.
NIGHT SHOOT, Rehearsal: 18 Feb, 19:30 at Muizenberg (Sunrise Beach). Public welcome to attend. NIGHT SHOOT: 19 Feb, 19:30 at Muizenberg (Sunrise Beach). MILITARY PARADE AND CAPABILITY DEMONSTRATION: 21 Feb, 10:30 for 11:00 to be followed by military capability demonstration at Table View Beach.
ALL WELCOME AND FREE ENTRY Low flying aircraft & excessive noise will be experienced from time to time.
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AAD2018 closes off in a spectacular fashion
AAD2018 closes off in a spectacular fashion
The 10th edition of Africa’s premier exhibition of air, land and sea technologies, held 19th-23rd September 2018 – ended on high note with a spectacular showcasing of air-acrobatics gracing the Tshwane skies. The 2018 version of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) brought together African and global business leaders and high-ranking military delegations for weeklong engagements and robust discussions on a myriad of topics, notable cyber security and the global contribution to peacekeeping efforts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa certainly signaled his support not only for the event as such, but also for an outreach to our neighbours and captains of the industry around the world and for expanding relationships with them, as AAD was his inaugural opening as the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force.
In keeping with this year’s theme of “Unlocking Africa’s aerospace and defence potential”, AAD2018 presented business opportunities on a continental and global front. “The African Aerospace and Defence exhibition offer a massive opportunity for all present to identify areas of synergy and convert them into joint ventures,” the President said.
The exhibition played host to 415 exhibitors from 40 countries, as well as 71 official delegations and attracted over 32000 trade visitors on the three trade days. On the two open days over the long weekend, no less than 55 000 members of the public passed through the gates. This attendance is an example of the growth of the exhibition despite the hard-economic times being faced in South Africa and globally.
Several highlights were witnessed this year and included amongst others:
The Paramount Group’s announcement of the establishment of Paramount South Africa, a transformed Black-Owned Enterprise constituted to provide the future capability requirements of South Africa’s defence, police, border and peacekeeping forces.
Denel showcased its RG41 8×8 armoured, fitted with a 30 mm modular combat turret. The RG41 is a new generation wheeled armoured combat vehicle and a cost-effective solution for clients who require a combination of high mobility, protection and fire power.
Airbus fixed the spotlight on its South African industrial partnerships, alongside its product portfolio.
Some of the returning exhibitors who notably intensified their participation included MILKOR, a South African defence company, which develops and supplies a wide range of defence and security products.
East Africa was also well represented by SAFAT, a division of the military industry corporation MIC- Sudan who exhibited for the second time, showcasing 122 products including static aircraft and their latest technology in Smart Air Surface Pumps guided by GPS known as precision guided bombs (BK-3).
The Airforce of Zimbabwe K-8 Karakorum light attack fighter aircraft was also flown with a support CASA 212 on static display. Squadron 2 was well represented at the show once again as audiences were able to see six Gripens in formation, two Gripens in the mini-war and a solo gripen display flown by Major Geoffrey ‘Spartan’ Cooper and a 2v1 combat routine.
Keeping with tradition, AAD2018 also enabled the unlocking of the potential of South Africa’s youth. AAD’s youth development programme (YDP) ensured that thousands of school learners got exposed to the aerospace and defence technologies on display. They had the opportunity not only to engage with exhibitors, but also to explore career possibilities in the high-technology industry and military environment.
As Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said: “Since much of the world has already entered the fourth industrial revolution with its nano-technology and artificial intelligence (AI), South Africans should be part of it.”
CAASA, the commercial aviation association of South Africa, was the lead partner for AAD2018. At the close of the exhibition, the baton was handed over to AMD: The South African Aerospace Maritime and Defence Association.
President Ramaphosa observed that AAD is a national asset that has value for many departments and agencies of government and pledged the highest office’s support to this expo as it brings together the largest gathering of the aerospace and defence industry players and buyers.
‘AAD lives by the mandate of showcasing high technologies for the benefit of South Africa, its neighbours and the world at large and so we wish to thank all our exhibitors and sponsors for their contribution to another successful edition. We look forward to welcoming them all back in 2020 on 16 to 20 September” said Leon Dillman, CEO of CAASA in conclusion.
AAD2018 IN NUMBERS:
Number of Exhibitors: 415
Countries Exhibiting: 40
Country Pavilions: 15
Indoor Exhibition: 12687
Outdoor Exhibition: 17409
Aircraft Static: 128
Hospitality Chalets: 40
Public Day: 55063
Trade Visitors: 32538
Countries as visitors: 102
Official Delegation: 71
Media: 287
Secunda Spring Festival 2018
Secunda Spring Festival 2018
By Charmaine Oliver
The weekend of 5 – 6 October was the end of the annual Secunda Spring Festival.
It was celebrated by Scully and his team with a brilliant display in the Pitt’s Flying Cows.
As usual Secunda did not disappoint with the magical sunset and you could feel the festivity in the air.
On Saturday there was a total of 23 aircraft that participated in the Speed Rally hosted by Secunda Flying Club and SAPFA. A well organised event and the first of its kind. It was enjoyed by skilled pilots and navigators. Herewith are a few photos of the event.
Race results
1st Race no 15 ZS-CNY Cessna 210 Phil Wakeley & Mary de Klerk
2nd Race no 1 ZU-CXK Yakolev YAK-52 Jonty Esser Jonathan Esser
3rd Race no 8 ZU-IHH Van’s Aircraft RV-7A Johannes Jurie & Cor Esterhuizen
4th Race no 14 ZU-FHZ Van’s Aircraft RV-6A Thys vd Merwe & Bernard Jansen
5th Race no 2 ZU-FBJ Evektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar Plus Leon Bouttell & Martin Meyer
Shortest route Winner
Race 4 ZS-SOK Cessna 210A Richard van der Heijden & David Bartholomew
Click to enlarge photos
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme
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AAD2018 Programme 22 Sept 2018
AAD2018 Programme
Please note the Program can change at any time!
AAD Airshow Programme 22 Sept 2018
| SLOT | DISPLAY | AIRCRAFT TYPE |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 | Early Arrivals | DC-4 |
| Harvards | ||
| 9:00 | Powered Paragliders | 15 x PPGs |
| Microlights | 5 x Microlight Trikes | |
| 9:20 | SAAF Hawk Solo Display | 1 x SAAF Mk 120 Hawk |
| 9:30 | Combined Aerobatic | 1 x Slick 540 |
| 1 x Extra 300 | ||
| 9:40 | Rooivalk (Proudly SA) | 1 x SAAF Rooivalk |
| AHRLAC Flypast | 2 x AHRLAC | |
| 9:50 | Kitplanes (Proudly SA) | Slings, Slick, Foxbats, TMGs |
| All Locally Produced Aircraft | Bat Hawks, Wagtails | |
| 10:10 | Rooivalk (Proudly SA) | 1 x SAAF Rooivalk |
| AHRLAC Display | 2 x AHRLAC | |
| 10:20 | ER-24 Air Angels (Cancer) | 2 x B-105 (Pink) ER-24 |
| Arrival, Flypast and Show Standby | Air Angels | |
| 10:30 | Tailift Cows | 4 x Pitts Specials |
| Formation Aerobatic | ||
| 10:40 | Alouette II and Alouette III Display | 1 x SAAF Museum Alouette II |
| SAAF Museum | 2 x SAAF Museum Alouette III | |
| 10:50 | Mass Parachute Drop (x 40) | SAAF C-130 |
| Civilian and Military Parachutists | ||
| 11:00 | Biplane Formo and Display | Antonov -2 |
| Little Annie and the Schaarman | Boeing Stearman | |
| 11:20 | SAAF Museum Heritage Aircraft | Kudu, Cessna, Puma |
| Ops Mini-War | 2 x Alouette III | |
| 11:40 | Unlimited Aerobatics | 1 x Slick 540 |
| 11:50 | Autogyro Display | 1 x Wagtail Autogyro |
| Locally Produced Aircraft | ||
| 12:00 | Bathawk Formo | 2 x Bathawk Microlights |
| Locally Produced Microlight Aircraft | ||
| 12:10 | 2v1 Air Combat | 1 x SAAF Hawk |
| SAAF Fighters | 2 x SAAF Gripen | |
| 12:30 | SAAF Silver Falcons | 5 x PC-7 MkIIs |
| 12:50 | Casa Paradrop - Golden Eagles | 1 x Casa 212 |
| 13:00 | Tailift Cows | 4 x Pitts Specials |
| Formation Aerobatic | ||
| 13:10 | L-29 Delfin Tiger Solo Display | L-29 Delfin |
| 13:20 | ER-24 Rescue Helicopters | 2 x B105 |
| Breast Cancer Awareness | 1 x Emergency Vehicle | |
| 13:30 | K-8 Karakorum (Zimbabwe) | 1 x K-8 Karakorum |
| Light Attack Fighter | ||
| 13:40 | Biplane Formo and Display | Antonov -2 |
| Little Annie and the Schaarman | Boeing Stearman | |
| 14:00 | Manhattan Marshmellow Drop | Antonov -2 |
| Boeing Stearman | ||
| 14:10 | AHRLAC Display | 2 x AHRLAC |
| (Proudly SA) | ||
| 14:20 | SA Mni-War | 2 x Gripen, 2 x Hawk, A109 |
| SANDF Display | 2 x Rooivalk,C130, Casa 212 | |
| 15:00 | Unlimited Aerobatics | 1 x Slick 540 |
| 15:10 | DC-4 and Mass Radial Formo | 1 x DC-4 |
| DC-4 Display | 12 x Harvards | |
| 15:30 | Puma Energy Flying Lions | 4 x Harvards |
| 15:40 | SAAF Silver Falcons | 5 x PC-7 MkIIs |
| 16:00 | SAAF Hawk Solo Display | 1 x SAAF Mk 120 Hawk |
| 16:10 | Mass Parachute Drop (x 40) | SAAF C-130 |
| Civilian and Military Parachutists | ||
| 16:20 | C-130 Display | SAAF C-130 |
| 16:30 | Attack Heli Display | 1 x Rooivalk |
| SAAF Attack Helicopter | ||
| 16:40 | Gripen Fighter Display | 1 x Gripen |
| SAAF Fighter | ||
| 17:00 | Tethered Balloons | 4/5 x Hot Air Balloons |
| 17:15 | Puma Energy Flying Lions | 4 x Harvards |
| 17:45 | Powered Paraglider Night Lights | 5 x PPGs (lights) |
| Microlight Lights | 5 x Microlights (lights) |
AAD2018 Programme 23 Sept 2018
AAD2018 Programme
Please note the Program can change at any time!
AAD Airshow Programme 23 Sept 2018
| SLOT | DISPLAY | AIRCRAFT TYPE |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 | Early Arrivals | DC-4 |
| Harvards | ||
| 9:00 | Powered Paragliders | 15 x PPGs |
| Microlights | 5 x Microlight Trikes | |
| 9:20 | SAAF Hawk Solo Display | 1 x SAAF Mk 120 Hawk |
| 9:30 | Combined Aerobatic | 1 x Slick 540 |
| 1 x Extra 300 | ||
| 9:40 | Rooivalk (Proudly SA) | 1 x SAAF Rooivalk |
| AHRLAC | 2 x AHRLAC | |
| 9:50 | Kitplanes (Proudly SA) | Slings, Slick, Foxbats, TMGs |
| All Locally Produced Aircraft | Bat Hawks, Wagtails | |
| 10:10 | Autogyro Display | 1 x Wagtail Autogyro |
| Locally Produced Aircraft | ||
| 10:20 | ER-24 Air Angels (Cancer) | 2 x B-105 (Pink) ER-24 |
| Arrival, Flypast and Show Standby | Air Angels | |
| 10:30 | Tailift Cows | 4 x Pitts Specials |
| Formation Aerobatic | ||
| 10:40 | Alouette II and Alouette III Display | 1 x SAAF Museum Alouette II |
| SAAF Museum | 2 x SAAF Museum Alouette III | |
| 10:50 | Mass Parachute Drop (x 40) | SAAF C-130 |
| Civilian and Military Parachutists | ||
| 11:00 | Biplane Formo and Display | Antonov -2 |
| Little Annie and the Schaarman | Boeing Stearman | |
| 11:20 | SAAF Museum Heritage Aircraft | Kudu, Cessna, Puma |
| Ops Mini-War | 2 x Alouette III | |
| 11:40 | Unlimited Aerobatics | 1 x Slick 540 |
| 11:50 | Autogyro Display | 1 x Wagtail Autogyro |
| Locally Produced Aircraft | ||
| 12:00 | Bathawk Formo | 2 x Bathawk Microlights |
| Locally Produced Microlight Aircraft | ||
| 12:10 | 2v1 Air Combat | 1 x SAAF Hawk |
| SAAF Fighters | 2 x SAAF Gripen | |
| 12:30 | SAAF Silver Falcons | 5 x PC-7 MkIIs |
| 12:50 | SAAF Casa 212 Paradrop and | Casa 212 |
| Flypast | ||
| 13:00 | Tailift Cows | 4 x Pitts Specials |
| Formation Aerobatic | ||
| 13:10 | L-29 Delfin Tiger Solo Display | L-29 Delfin |
| 13:20 | ER-24 Rescue Helicopters | 2 x B105 |
| Breast Cancer Awareness | 1 x Emergency Vehicle | |
| 13:30 | K-8 Karakorum (Zimbabwe) | 1 x K-8 Karakorum |
| Light Attack Fighter | ||
| 13:40 | Biplane Formo and Display | Antonov -2 |
| Little Annie and the Schaarman | Boeing Stearman | |
| 14:00 | Manhattan Marshmellow Drop | Antonov -2 |
| Boeing Stearman | ||
| 14:10 | AHRLAC Display | 2 x AHRLAC |
| (Proudly SA) | ||
| 14:20 | SA Mni-War | 2 x Gripen, 2 x Hawk, A109 |
| SANDF Display | 2 x Rooivalk,C130, Casa 212 | |
| 15:00 | Unlimited Aerobatics | 1 x Slick 540 |
| 15:10 | DC-4 and Mass Radial Formo | 1 x DC-4 |
| DC-4 Display | 12 x Harvards | |
| 15:30 | Puma Energy Flying Lions | 4 x Harvards |
| 15:40 | SAAF Silver Falcons | 5 x PC-7 MkIIs |
| 16:00 | SAAF Hawk Solo Display | 1 x SAAF Mk 120 Hawk |
| 16:10 | Mass Parachute Drop (x 40) | SAAF C-130 |
| Civilian and Military Parachutists | ||
| 16:30 | Attack Heli Display | 1 x Rooivalk |
| SAAF Attack Helicopter | ||
| 16:40 | Departure Slot Buffer | |
| 16:50 | Grande Finale | 1 x Gripen |
| Pipers and Parade | ||
| 17:00 | Gripen - Hawk Flypast | 8 x Gripen |
| 1 x Hawk | ||
| 17:10 | Golden Eagles | 1 x Casa 212 |
| Paradrop and Scroll Handover | ||
| 17:15 | Silver Falcons Night Display | |
| SAAF Fighter | ||
| 17:30 | Gripen Fighter Sunset Display | |
| SAAF Fighter | ||
| 17:45 | Tethered Balloons | 4/5 x Hot Air Balloons |
| 18:00 | Powered Paraglider Night Lights | 5 x PPGs (lights) |
| Microlight Lights | 5 x Microlights (lights) |
ATO hosts exclusive school Open Days
ATO hosts exclusive school Open Days
Nelspruit, 11 September, 2018
Almost 30 Hoërskool Nelspruit (NHS) aviation enthusiasts visited the Kishugu® Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) on Friday, 07 September for an opportunity to fly sky high.
NHS was the first of several high schools identified in the Mpumalanga region as part of an aviation career awareness campaign to approach schools directly and address the global pilot shortage.
The aviation industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world due to rapid growth, but it might not have the pilots available to keep up with this growth.
“To become a proficient pilot, ready to offer a valuable contribution to this dynamic field, takes time,” says Head of Kishugu® ATO, Carel van der Merwe. “Amidst an ongoing wave of retirements and a steady supply of experienced crews is unlikely to be depleted. To fill this gap, the industry showed a great need for quality training academies to help train pilots for the future. And this is where Kishugu® ATO, based in Mbombela, plays a vital role,” says Carel.
After the huge success of sponsoring two pupils for the Mr. and Ms. NHS campaign, word quickly spread among the scholars on the possibilities of starting a career in aviation.
During the NHS open day, students and their parents were welcomed by Carel, and his team of flight instructors, and given a quick pre-flight check before taking to the skies in one of our four aircraft available.
After touching down on the ground, Carel presented a quick informative talk on the options of obtaining your Private Pilots Licence (PPL) and the various ways the flight school could assist parents in making their child’s dream a reality.
With adrenaline still spiking through their veins, the scholars were taken to Kishugu® Aviation FFA AMO 1116, where they got the opportunity to view another possible aviation career option as a aviation engineer. Scholars got to see how these aircraft engineers went to work on the various aircraft types while explaining to the learners what school subjects they chose when they started their careers.
Hannes van Zyl, HOD of FFA AMO 1116, elaborated on the various engineer maintenance careers they could specialise in, from avionics to flight test pilots , all possible when choosing a career as a Aeronautical Engineering. Many of the scholars were even interested in doing shadow work at the AMO during the upcoming school holidays. “Shadowing is the perfect opportunity for learners to get a real sense of what it would be to work on aircraft as a possible career,” says Hannes.
Jayden Joubert, a Grade 12 learner could not contain his excitement after his flight during the open day. “It was such an amazing experience. I never thought this was something I wanted to do with my life, but the flying bug has definitely bitten me,” he says. “The AMO was also very nice to see, especially how organised they were, it was very interesting to see them working on the Huey’s,” he concluded.
“Open days like these offer the best opportunity to young learners to experience exactly what flying entails and if it is a career path they would like to follow,” says Carel. “Many scholars are not always sure what they want to do after school, and experiencing this first hand helps them realise if their heart belongs in the sky.”
Kishugu SAPS Students graduate from ATO
Kishugu SAPS Students graduate from ATO
Nelspruit, 11 September, 2018
The Kishugu Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) bids farewell to the South African Police Service (SAPS) female students. A delegation from the SAPS training division visiting Kishugu Aviation on Friday, 30 August, for the final debrief on the training of this dynamic group of female pilots.
The nine young ladies were selected by the South African Police Service to become pilots for the SAPS air wing. The cost of their training was met by the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA).
Kishugu SAPS Students graduate from ATO
Tshomarelo Moima (24) from Pretoria, Tebogo Boshielo (22) from Pretoria, Linah Mphanga (25) from Hazyview, Mpumalanga, Happiness Sibiya (22) from Mpumalanga, Lindelwa Mdaki (22) from Durban, Usisipho Fanie (26) from Western Cape, Gloria Banda (21) from Danville Pretoria and Tobeka Shozi (20) from Pietermaritzburg, KZN.
“We are extremely proud of these young ladies and very happy with Kishugu on the sterling job of training these ladies. We will definitely be using Kishugu again to train more pilots, perhaps as early as January 2019,” says Major General Gossmann.
Their success is all the more remarkable since many of them did not have a driver’s license, nor had any of them ever been in light aircraft before their training began.
They were selected as part of a SAPS initiative aimed at skills development and creating jobs. Kishugu ATO won the contract to train the pilots after an extremely tough tender vetting process.
Since arriving at Kishugu ATO in April 2016 these women have been taking to the skies on almost a daily basis building hours and experience. To date the women accumulated over 2,200 hours of flying. Kishugu will now engage further with TETA and the SAPS on possibly recruiting more pilots in the future to be trained.
2018 Eswatini Airshow
2018 Eswatini Air show
Aviation Central’s Jarryd was not Media for the Weekend, that was done By Flippie. Jarryd was part of the Little Annie crew. (Jarryd holds a PPL and is busy with his Com)
They flew Annie in on Friday morning and took the local youth for a scenic flight around the Airport.
The Show was organized in a very short time and bad weather prohibited airshow aircraft to reach the Airport. The only aircraft that flew was Little Annie, an Atlas Angel, Huey chopper and an R44. The R44 also did the flipping of spectators. Group of 8 Skydivers also entertained the large crowd from Young to old.
Stage with a Band and DJ was also part of the entertainment. The King of Swaziland’s two Aircraft was also visible to the left. Show day turned out nice, but windy. The airport has a spectacular tower and terminal building. A New hi-way is being constructed linking the King Mswati III International Airport to the nearest town (Matsapha).
Johan Heine was the FDD for the show and made the best of what he had to work with. Listening to Johan Heine and Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds talk about the 2019 Swaziland Airshow indicates that they are going to pull out all they can to insure for a spectacular 2019 show.
Hopefully, the 2019 show will attract more South African Media as Aviation Central was the only South African Media at the show. The Swazi people took good care of us and provided excellent accommodation close too Matsapha Airport. Aviation Central will be back for Swaziland international Airshow 2019.
About King Mswati III International Airport
Construction for the Airport began in 2003 on this $150m project. The Taiwanese government contributed USD 22m to the project.It is part of King Mswati III’s $1bn millennium project investment initiative to enhance Swaziland’s position as a tourist destination, serving as a tourism gateway to Swaziland’s game parks. However, it has been on the drawing board since 1980. There are also environmental concerns since Sikhupe is near Hlane game park, and may put rare species of eagles and vultures at risk. King Mswati III International Airport was planned to replace Matsapha airport by 2010, with the latter being taken over by the army. King Mswati III International Airport was inaugurated on 7 March 2014.
Facilities at King Mswati III International Airport
Airport has a 3,600m CAT 1 runway and capacity for 300,000 passengers per year. It would be able to handle Boeing 747 aircraft, and service flights to any destination in the world. Coordinates to King Mswati III International Airport 26°21′24″S 031°43′01″ECoordinates: 26°21′24″S 031°43′01″E
Click to Enlarge photos
